Friday, July 5, 2013

Even though it's crazy hot and humid out, I still can't help but load on lots of jewelry, like usual. But I am deterred from my standard jewelry regimen of layering a lot of gold chains (think Ice-T in the 90s). So I'm trading out some (not all!) of my chains for simpler, lighter fare (also from the 90s; thanks, Brenda Walsh!).

I almost hesitated to put this project up on the blog because it is SO simple, but it has quickly become a staple of my daily summer jewelry so I figured why not? 15 minutes and about 2 bucks worth of hardware is all you need for this one:)
Materials:

- 2 jump rings

-1 lobster claw

-2 crimping beads

-10" strand of material of your choice**

**I chose to use a remnant piece of a leather strap, because that's what I had sitting around, but really any scrap fabric cut into a wide strip or chunky yarn will also give you great looking results. Use what you've got! :)

Step 1: Tie a knot 6" away from the right side.

Step 2: Open one of the jump rings, place the lobster claw on it then close it again.

Step 3: On the side closest to the knot, insert 1" of the strand through the closed jump ring, then run a 1/2" bead of glue just beneath the jump ring.

Step 4: Squeeze tight with pliers to make sure the glue made a secure connection.

Step 5: Tighten a crimping bead over the overlapped pieces, just beneath the jump ring.

Step 6: Use scissors to trim excess strap from beneath the crimping bead.

Step 7: Repeat steps 3 through 6 with the remaining jump ring on the other side of the strand.

Hi, I'm Kat! I live in Brooklyn where I work as an artist, accessories designer and teach tons of fashion classes, covering everything from shoe making and handbags to leather jewelry and fashion illustration. I am OBSESSED with recycled DIY and want everybody else to be, too! We Can Re-Do It is my attempt to convert the masses! I love combining scraps, various thrift store finds and whatever I happen to have around to transform them into new objects, that are better than they've ever been. There's no reason why upcycled projects shouldn't look like a million bucks (even when they're free).

I love to know what fabulous upcycling other crafters are up to! If you'd like me to feature some of your beautifully photographed projects feel free to email me at sateenduralux(at)gmail(dot)com.

WORKSHOPS

What's even better than crafting? Crafting with friends, of course! I'm frequently out and about sharing what I do at workshops, museums and with friends for private craft nights. If you or your organization would like to hire me to do an event, please send me an email at sateenduralux(at)gmail(dot)com.